Beth Mead agonisingly missed out on the women’s Ballon d’Or by just a single point as Alexia Putellas picked up the award for the second year in a row.
It was expected that Barcelona star Putellas would retain her crowd as the best player in the women’s game, after she helped the Spanish side to win all 30 of their league matches last season and reach the Women’s Champions League final, where they were beaten Lyon.
An ACL injury kept Putellas out of Euro 2022, as Spain were knocked out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage by England.
That was one of only two matches Mead did not score in as the Lionesses went all the way on home soil to win their first major trophy, with the Arsenal forward picking up the Golden Boot and winning Player of the Tournament.
It came after the 27-year-old enjoyed a brilliant season for the Gunners, but it was not enough for Mead to win the Ballon d’Or as she picked up 163 votes, leaving her one short of Putellas.
Chelsea striker Sam Kerr finished third, 52 votes behind Mead.
“I just wanted to say a huge, huge thank you for the support that you’ve given me, both the women’s and the men’s team this year,” Mead said in a social media video after the ceremony.
“I couldn’t done it without you, I’ve really felt the love, I’ve had an amazing night, enjoyed the ceremony and congratulations to all the winners.”
